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Information from Your Family Doctor

How to Recognize OSA and What It Means for Your Health

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a common disorder that causes people to temporarily stop or decrease breathing repeatedly during sleep. It affects up to 14% of people.

If I snore, does that mean I have OSA?

Not necessarily. There are many reasons people snore, but snoring is common in almost everyone who has OSA. Other signs and symptoms of OSA include:

Gasping for air while sleeping

Morning headache

Daytime sleepiness

High blood pressure

Depression

What causes OSA?

It can happen for many reasons, but increasing age and obesity are the most common risk factors. A neck size of 16 inches or greater is a risk for OSA. Also, men are three times more likely to have OSA than women.

How do I know if I have it?

Your doctor will take a careful history and do a physical exam. You or your doctor can complete a screening checklist. If your doctor thinks you have OSA, the diagnosis can be made by sleep studies either at your home or at a special sleep center.

How is it treated?

The standard treatment for OSA is a machine called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). CPAP uses pressurized air to keep the airway open at night. Most CPAP machines are about 12 × 6 × 6 inches, and weigh between 4 and 8 lb. While you sleep, you will wear a mask that connects to the CPAP machine. Some masks fit over the mouth and nose. Other masks fit over the nose only.

I don't like wearing my CPAP. Are there other treatment options?

Yes. The first option is to try different mask fittings for your CPAP. Your doctor may also suggest a BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machine, which may be more comfortable. CPAP forces air at a continuous pressure, but BiPAP forces air at higher pressures when you breathe in and at lower pressures when you breathe out. In rare cases, some people may also consider dental fittings or surgery to treat OSA. For people who are obese, weight loss may be helpful as well.

What happens if I don't get treated for OSA?

Untreated OSA may lead to serious health conditions or problems such as: